I know, but it just isn t the same he huffed. In other, happier news, how are my lovely Nects? he asked cheerfully.
They re all doing fine. We have just enough mentors for them all! she grinned again. Bark s eyes sparked; I ll want to mentor the strongest of my Nects! Show them all to me! Fern shuffled her horn-tail out the way, her large bear-like paws revealing the tiny Nects. Actually, there was only one; the rest had already built their pre-nests, to impress their father. Bark picked up the tiny Nect, stroking her carefully. Fern frowned a bit; She s smaller than all the rest, Bark. Ever heard the saying; Big things come in small packages ? I think that applies to this Nect! he said eagerly. Fern slowly pulled herself up, legs sore from lying down all day. We should take them on a walk, hm? She insisted. Bark nodded; Of course.
The Nects ran eagerly around the open field. Epics normally came here, but not today; everything just seemed bright and happy. Fern held the second smallest atop her head, holding his hand s tightly. They could use names, now that they re old enough to leave the den, she spoke softly.
You hadn t taken care of that yet? he asked.
I wanted to name them with you.
Bark grinned, and set the girl he was holding down. His eyes lingered over the rock on her muzzle. It was so perfectly shaped, and almost clear. He narrowed his eyes, and then laughed. Her bone plate looks like a Diamond! Fern glanced over, Then so be it, she whispered. Bark hugged her tightly; My little Diamond! I can see me now; teaching her the wonders of the planet Wonge! Fern rolled her eyes jokingly. I think I could, too. She picked the young Nect up again; I ll call him Spot; you see that tiny, bluish dot on his forehead?
The two continued to name their five Nects. With three girls, and two boys, reproduction would be fine. Bird, Honey, Fickle, Fang, and Diamond. All my Nects in that exact order! He sat Diamond in between his wings, holding her tight so she wouldn t slip. Bird, Honey, help show the others how to take off in flight, he called.
Bird crawled towards her father, her large wings almost as big as his. She turned around, and ran forward. She bundled her muscles, then quickly jumped. Her aqua wings unfolded, revealing perfect, arrow-shaped feathers, tipped with the lightest cyan color. Bark watched carefully, judging her balance and takeoff. He grinned. I have never seen such perfection, Bird! he called. Bird quickly wove around a tree, and landed neatly before her father. Thanks, dad; I ve been practicing!
You looked like a fool while practicing, too! Fickle called, his eyes turning sharp. Bark noticed that in his voice was a hint of jealousy. Fickle, you can give it a go, if you d like, Honey spoke neatly. She was sitting on a smooth, round rock, with her wigs outstretched. I can help you, too.
I don t need any help, and you re not thanked for the offer! he retorted, crossing his arms. Bark scowled, his ears drooping low. Here; Bird and Honey can go practice around the more tree-covered areas, so they ll stay sharp on their turns, Bark said in a forceful tone. Bird shrugged, and raced Honey over to the trees and shrubs.
Fickle, you must have proper balance when running to start, and while flying. If you don t, you ll look like a one-winged Illoius! he laughed, encouraging the still-young Nect. Fickle nodded a bit, obviously not paying attention. He broke away from his father and ran down the grassy plain. He jumped up, and opened his wings slowly. He lost air, but continued to flap his wings, and took off. Bark bit his lip; this might not end well he thought.
Bark glanced over at Bird and Honey. They were having a blast in the trees. Mistress Fern was lying down beside Fang, eyes shut and sunbathing. Fang was collecting pebbles and sticks to keep himself amused as his older siblings practiced their flight. Bark gently set Diamond beside his mate, and started off after Fickle.
Fickle was flying off into the massive cluster of trees beside their nest. Branches tickled at his scaly skin, making him lose his balance. He opened his eyes, now feeling a horrid feeling in his gut. With a jolt, something snipped his wing. He whined lamely, and started heading for ground. Bark hurried, scared for his son.
Like an eagle, Bark swooped down quickly, spinning and showing himself as a blur. He grasped Fickle, letting him dangle in his hands. Bark pointed himself up, and quickly burst out of the cluster of trees.
Fickle s eyes were shut lightly. Bark sighed; knocked out! Poor kid